4 . The story of a 92-year-old book lover in a village of Chongqing has touched many recently, Sun Shiquan has collected more than 7,000 books over the past years and has offered a free local library to people there for years.

He was born in Pipa Village in Xiuqi Town of Chongqing’s Chengkou County. Being a bookworm as a child, he read all kinds of ancient books including the Four Books and the Five Classics. In the 1950s, he became one of only a handful of local college graduates and later served as a middle school teacher in the county.

He started to collect books in 1983 and gradually built a collection of many kinds over more than 40 years. Among his holdings is a precious set known as the Si Ku Quan Shu, dating back to Qing Dynasty. It is one of the only seven copies in the country.

Wearing glasses, Sun reads for more than three hours every day. Now he has finished reading most of his collections. Speaking of her father, Sun Ziyu, said, “My father has a habit of making notes on each book. He makes a mark whenever he stops reading so that he can carry on reading from where he left off.”

Village official Liu Jiao said, “Many children in the village love to visit Sun and listen to his stories.” She said the elderly man has earned respect from the whole village. People call him “Teacher Sun” and children call him “great-grandfather”.

Sun Ziyu said her father also writes poems and prose(散文) in his spare time and enjoys reading his works to the family. She said under her father’s influence, family members take the time to read together and exchange views. “That’s their favorite part,” she said.

“My father has loved reading for a lifetime,” Sun Ziyu said. “Reading is his meat and drink.”

6 . Marie Curie and Her Daughters

by Imogen Greenberg

Illustrated (插图) by Isabel Greenberg

You’ve probably heard of scientist Marie Curie and her discoveries, but how about her daughters, Irene and Eve? This beautiful illustrated book follows the adventures of the family as they save lives during wars, travel around the world, and change the history of science.

Swordswoman!

by Devika Rangachari

Discover the amazing true story of Queen Lakshmibai of Jhansi — an Indian queen who could read and write. Find out how she trained other women to fight next to her and became a symbol of resistance to British rule in India in 1857.

Queens: 3,000 Years of the Most Incredible Women in History

by Victoria Crossman

Celebrating queens from all over the world and through history, this book describes Cleopatra of Egypt, Queen Nanny of Jamaica, Catherine the Great of Russia, Empress Jingu of Japan, Boudicca in Britain and Queen Elizabeth II, among others. It’s full of illustrations and details.

The Girl with Her Head in the Clouds

by Karen McCombie

Illustrated by Anneli Bray

London, 1904. When a couple of showmen need help with a stunt, 16-year-old Dolly volunteers. Soon, she’s busy with working as a parachutist (跳伞者). This story is based on the real life of parachute performer Dolly Shepherd.

7 . One of the best things about historical stories is that they can make you interested in learning more about the actual history of the time period.

Katherine Locke

This impressive historical story transports readers to 1956 Hungary during the revolution(革命). Csilla grew up near a magic river, but when her country falls apart, and her world crashes around her, she must decide between leaving her home or fighting to save it.

Wendelin Van Draanen

In post-World War II California, three teenage girls from different backgrounds get bound(捆绑)together through hardship, secrets, and friendship. In this beautiful coming-of-age story, the girls face the storms on their way bravely, helping each other through love and loss.

Stacey Lee

The terrible disaster is as attractive as ever in this historical story. Unable to board the ship as a regular passenger, Val hides in it and manages to travel along. She dreams of getting a job at a circus in New York City, but she doesn’t expect to fight for survival(生存)along the way.

Shannon Gibney

A fascinating look at the connection between Liberia and America, Dream Country explores the lives of five generations of a family searching for freedom. Heartbreaking and honest, this journey through history is about family, dreams, and the hope for a better future.

10 . The best books for kids

Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth

Hilo doesn’t know where he’s from, why he fell out of the sky, what he’s doing on Earth — or why he can’t go to school in only his underwear. This series by Judd Winick is as funny as it is exciting, and tells the action-packed adventures of the boy robot who cares deeply about his human friends. Ages 5 — 12.

Who Was? and What Was? series

Think of each volume in this series as a history lesson for a child. The books cover everything from the Constitution to the Colosseum, and Paul Revere to Pelé. The already detailed series continues to add titles — your little one can read up on just about any person, place or historical event. Ages 8 and up.

Encyclopedia Brown series

A children’s version of Sherlock Holmes, this series by Donald J. Sobol satisfies curious readers through the stories of a young detective, Leroy Brown. Nicknamed “Encyclopedia” for his vast range of knowledge, he welcomes neighborhood kids to present their cases in his garage before setting out to solve the mystery. Ages 8 — 12.

Holes

One of the rare books to win both a Newbery Medal and a National Book Award, the story by Louis Sachar follows Stanley Yelnats as he fights with the curse (诅咒) that has followed his family for generations. The book with a mystery at its core is by turns funny, heartbreaking and deeply thoughtful. Ages 8 — 12.